Data volume reporting in 5gs

ABSTRACT

A method performed by a first network node includes generating a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment. The one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of a per Data Radio Bearer basis and a per Quality of Service basis. The data volume report is transmitted to a second network node. The data volume report further includes an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to wireless communications and, more particularly, systems and methods for data volume reporting in 5GS.

BACKGROUND

Data Volume Reporting was introduced for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-U IRA) New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) access in Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) in order to allow to charge or control a customer's usage of New Radio (NR) access. E-UTRAN provides by S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) signalling means information to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) about the usage of NR access on a per E-RAB basis by a User Equipment (UE). This function is described in Section 10.11 of 3GPP TS 37.340 as follows:

10.11 Secondary [Radio Access Technology] Data Volume Reporting

10.11.1 EN-DC

-   -   The secondary RAT data volume reporting function is used to         report the data volume of secondary RAT to [Core Network]. In         EN-DC, if configured, the [Master Node] reports the uplink and         downlink data volumes of used NR resources to the EPC on a per         [Evolved Packet System] bearer basis as specified in TS 36.300         [2]. Periodic reporting is performed by periodically sending the         Secondary RAT Data Volume Report messages to the [Mobile         Management Entity].     -   The data volume is counted by the node hosting [Packet Data         Convergence Protocol]. Downlink data volume is counted in bytes         of PDCP [Service Data Units] successfully delivered to the UE         over NR (for [Radio Link Control Acknowledged Mode]) or         transmitted to the UE over NR (for [Radio Link Control         Unacknowledged Mode]). Uplink data volume is counted in bytes of         PDCP SDUs received by the node hosting PDCP over NR. Forwarded         packets shall not be counted when PDCP entity is relocated. When         PDCP duplication is activated, packets shall be counted only         once.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example signalling flow for secondary RAT data volume periodic reporting according to EN-DC. As depicted, if periodic reporting is configured, then the Secondary Node (SN) periodically sends the Secondary RAT Data Usage Report message to the MN and includes the data volumes of used NR radio resources for the related SN-terminated EPS-Radio Access Bearers (E-RABs). The MN then sends the Secondary RAT Data Usage Report message to MME to provide information on the used NR resource. The Secondary RAT Data Usage Report message sent by the MN may also include secondary RAT report information of MN-terminated bearers. In 5GS, such feature is also requested and is discussed in 3GPP TS 23.501, entitled Usage Data Reporting for Secondary RAT. Equivalent to EN-DC, the SN is requested to provide data volume reports on a per Quality of Service (QoS) flow basis for both, usage of NR access and usage of E-UTRA resources.

There currently exist certain challenges. For example, reporting on a per QoS flow basis may create problems, as Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) may carry more than one QoS flow. Unlike in EPS, where a DRB can be mapped to only one E-RAB/EPS-bearer with a single well defined QoS characteristic, a DRB in NR may carry more than one QoS flow, each QoS flow with different QoS characteristics.

In downlink (DL), the radio protocol entity that is responsible for processing data volume reports, once radio resources have been allocated (i.e. QoS flows have been mapped to a DRB), the PDCP entity would not need to regard the identity of the QoS flow at all. For efficiency reasons, the radio protocols would only convey the QoS flow identity to the UE in special circumstances such as, for example, when reflective QoS flow mapping is performed. Hence, the PDCP machinery would need to process the QoS flow ID, set up counters etc. For DRBs that use AM RLC, the QoS flow information per PDCP Packet Data Unit (PDU) would need to stay in PDCP until the PDCP PDU was successfully transmitted to the UE. This might cause problems such as, for example, if the number of counters needed are not known beforehand at DRB set up, as QoS flows might be added during the lifetime of radio resources providing resources to a PDU Session, which might be up to 64 (with current protocol means). Further, processing always consumes time, so the end-to-end delay performance might be hit, in case per QoS flow data volume counting is enabled.

In uplink (UL), per QoS flow reporting is only possible if the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) header is configured such as, for example, if per PDCP PDU additional information is provided for the QoS flow associated with the PDCP PDU. For the default DRB, the SDAP header is mandated to be configured. For non-default DRBs, however, it is assumed to be the case as well if more than one QoS flow is mapped to a DRB, in order to control the (configured) UE behaviour in UL. Like in DL, allocating counters for each QoS flow may cause performance problems or require complex implementations.

Currently, the solution standardized for EN-DC reporting does not include any control mechanism from the Core Network. There is no possibility to choose which type of reporting is done or what E-RAB should be monitored. The reporting is configured for all the E-RABs setup for the UE.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. In particular, certain embodiments may provide a flexible control and reporting mechanism for secondary RAT Data Volume Reporting in 5GS.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a first network node includes generating a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment. The one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of a per Data Radio Bearer basis and a per Quality of Service basis. The data volume report is transmitted to a second network node. The data volume report further includes an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.

According to certain embodiments, a first network node includes processing circuitry configured to generate a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment. The one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of a per Data Radio Bearer basis and a per Quality of Service basis. The data volume report is transmitted to a second network node. The data volume report further includes an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). For example, in some embodiments, the proposed mechanisms allow the 5GS to choose among several possibilities for Data Volume Reporting. As such, certain embodiments allow a simpler and more flexible implementation and control the system behaviour based on, for example, charging policies, type of user, current system load, or other factors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example signalling flow for secondary Radio Access Technology (RAT) data volume periodic reporting according to Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

FIG. 2 illustrates a signalling flow for the setup of a Data Radio Bearer (DRB1) with two cell groups such as, for example radio legs, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless network, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example network node, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example wireless device, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrate an example user equipment, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example method by a network node, according to certain embodiments; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary virtual computing device, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

According to certain embodiments, flexible control and reporting mechanisms are provided for secondary Radio Access Technology (RAT) Data Volume Reporting in 5GS. Certain solutions may be implemented over the NG, E1 and/or Xn interfaces and Operations Administration and Maintenance (OAM) to allow flexibility at Data Volume reporting. For example, certain embodiments may include:

-   -   1. In a 5GS, Data Volume reporting is deployed         -   a. either common for all user equipments (UEs), configured             by OAM, meaning that the way how consumed Data Volumes are             reported is the same for all UEs.         -   b. or on a per UE basis, where the 5GCore (5GC) provides per             UE control information on how consumed Data Volume is             reported via Next Generation-Core (NG-C) when Next             Generation-Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) resources for a             Packet Data Unit (PDU) Session are established or modified.     -   2. Consumed Data Volumes are reported per UE per Radio Access         Technology (RAT), separate for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL):         -   a. on a per PDU Session basis         -   b. on a per Quality of Service (QoS) flow basis, for either             all QoS flows in a PDU Session or only selected QoS flows         -   c. or combining a. and b.     -   3. Impacts on NG-C, Xn-C, E1 and OAM for the configuration of         Data Volume reporting are as follows:         -   a. On NG-C, if per UE reporting is deployed, the 5GC             provides control information on how Data Volume reporting             shall be performed, per UE/per PDU session/per QoS flow.         -   b. On Xn-C, if per UE reporting is deployed,             -   i. in case of Direct Connectivity (DC), if Data Volume                 Reports have to be generated by the Secondary NG-RAN                 node, XnAP also conveys respective configuration                 information from the Master NG-RAN node to the Secondary                 NG-RAN (S-NG-RAN) node.             -   ii. if the UE context is transferred towards a new                 serving NG-RAN, in case of handover (HO), Radio Resource                 Control_Inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) and re-establishment                 mobility scenarios, respective configuration information                 is also conveyed to prepare for subsequent DC                 configurations.         -   c. On E1, if per UE reporting is deployed, each Bearer             Context in the CU-UP is configured by the Central             Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP) to support the requested type of             reporting, independent of whether the type of Data volume             reporting is controlled by Next Generation Application             Protocol (NGAP) signaling or OAM.         -   d. OAM: if common UE reporting is deployed, no signaling is             needed on NG-C/Xn-C/E1. OAM will configure RAN nodes to             perform data volume reporting on a per UE/RAT/PDU             Session/QoS flow basis.     -   4. Impacts on NG-C, Xn-C, E1 for Data Volume reporting is         independent of whether per UE or common data volume reporting is         deployed.         -   a. On NG-C, the serving NG-RAN node (in case of DC, this is             the Master NG-RAN node), reports consumed Data Volumes in UL             and DL per UE per RAT per PDU Session and/or QoS Flow.         -   b. On Xn-C, in case of DC, if PDCP is hosted by the S-NG-RAN             node, the reporting is equivalent to the reporting on NG,             most likely XnAP signaling will put per QoS flow reporting             into a per DRB data structure.         -   c. On E1, Data Volume reporting is equivalent to the method             on NG-C/Xn-C.

According to a particular embodiment, for example per UE Data Volume reporting may be performed, and configuration data may be provided via NG-C and/or Xn-C. FIG. 2 illustrates a signalling flow 50 for the setup of a Data Radio Bearer (DRB1) with two cell groups such as, for example radio legs, according to certain embodiments. Specifically, the signalling flow 50 shows how the basic signalling might work on NG-C and Xn-C. The same approach may be used between a Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP) and a Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP) on E1, where configuration information is received via NG(/Xn) is conveyed to the CU-UP.

At step 1, the Serving/Master NG-RAN node receives configuration information along the possibilities described above whenever a RAN resources for a PDU Session are setup and (if applicable) when modified. This information is provided independent of whether Dual Connectivity is actually used.

At step 2, in case of DC, when PDCP is hosted by the S-NG-RAN node for PDU Session resources, the M-NG-RAN node provide respective information, corresponding to information received from the 5GC.

At step 3, the S-NG-RAN node replies to the M-NG-RAN node.

At step 4, the Serving/M-NG-RAN node replies to the 5GC.

According to certain embodiments, a data structure for reporting consumed Data Volumes at NG-C, Xn-C and E1 is provided. Specifically, information about consumed Data Volumes may be provided either when RAN resources are released or periodically. Data Volumes are either reported within release messages or within explicit report messages. An example of how the NGAP, XnAP or E1AP may structure the respective Information Element (IE) is provided in Tables 1 and 2 below.

The Ref2-1 MR-DC Data Usage Report List IE provides information on the data usage for the UE connected to 5GC, e.g., secondary RAT in MR-DC. This IE allows for reporting for more than one RAT on either a consumed Data Volume per PDU Session (IE#6) or per—probably selected—QoS flows (IE#7-#10).

IE IE type and Semantics # IE/Group Name Presence Range reference description 1 PDU Session 1 . . . Secondary RAT <maxnoofPDUsessions> Data Usage Report Item 2 >PDU Session ID M <Reference> 3 >MR DC Data 1 Usage per RAT List 4 >>MR DC Data 1 . . . So far Usage per RAT <maxnoofRATs> maxnoofRATs = Item 2 (NR and E- UTRA) 5 >>>Secondary RAT M ENUMERATED Type (nR, e-UTRA . . . ) 6 >>>MR DC Data O Data Usage Usage per PDU Report Item Session Item <Ref2-2> 7 >>>MR DC Data 0 . . . 1 Usage per QoS flow List 8 >>>>MR DC Data 1 . . . Usage per QoS flow <maxnoofQoSFlows> Item 9 >>>>>QoS Flow M <reference> Indicator 10 >>>>>MR DC Data M Data Usage Usage per Qos Flow Report Item Item <Ref2-2> Range bound Explanation maxnoofPDUsessions Maximum no. of PDU sessions. Value is 256 maxnoofRATs Maximum no of RATs supported by NG-RAN. So far the maximum is 2 (NR and E-UTRAN). The protocol supports up to 8 (as an example). maxnoofQoSFlows Maximum no. of QoS flows allowed within one PDU session. Value is 64.TABLE 1

Ref2-2 Data Usage Report Item

TABLE 2 IE type and Semantics IE/Group Name Presence Range reference description Data Usage Report Item 1 . . . <maxnooftimeperiods> >Start timestamp M OCTET UTC time STRING encoded in the (SIZE(4)) same format as the first four octets of the 64- bit timestamp format as defined in section 6 of IETF RFC 5905 [14]. It indicates the start time of the collecting period of the included Usage Count UL IE and Usage Count DL IE. >End timestamp M OCTET UTC time STRING encoded in the (SIZE(4)) same format as the first four octets of the 64- bit timestamp format as defined in section 6 of IETF RFC 5905 [14]. It indicates the end time of the collecting period of the included Usage Count UL IE and Usage Count DL IE. >Usage count UL M INTEGER The unit is: (0 . . . 2⁶⁴-1) octets. >Usage count DL M INTEGER The unit is: (0 . . . 2⁶⁴-1) octets. Range bound Explanation maxnooftimeperiods Maximum no. of time reporting periods. Value is 2.

According to certain embodiments, a data structure is provided for controlling per UE reporting of consumed Data Volumes at NG-C, Xn-C and E1.

The control information indicates how the receiving node shall perform per UE data volume reporting. An example for how the NGAP, XnAP, or E1AP may structure the respective IE is given below in Example 3-1: NGAP: Including Data Volume reporting control information into the existing PDU Session related SMF containers.

The PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer IE is transparent to the AMF.

IE/Group IE type and Semantics Assigned Name Presence Range reference description Criticality Criticality PDU Session O 9.3.1.102 This IE shall be YES reject Aggregate present when at Maximum least one non- Bit Rate GBR QoS flow is being setup. UL NG-U M UP Transport UPF endpoint YES reject UP TNL Layer of the NG-U Information Information transport bearer, 9.3.2.2 for delivery of UL PDUs. Additional O UP Transport UPF endpoint of YES reject UL NG-U Layer the additional UP TNL Information NG-U transport Information 9.3.2.2 bearer, for delivery of UL PDUs. Data O 9.3.1.63 This IE may be YES reject Forwarding present in case Not Possible of HANDOVER REQUEST message and shall be ignored otherwise. PDU Session M 9.3.1.52 YES reject Type Security O 9.3.1.27 YES reject Indication Network O 9.3.1.113 YES reject Instance Per PDU O Data Volume YES reject Session Data Volume Reporting Reporting Control Requested <ref 3-1-1> QoS Flow 1 YES reject Setup Request List >QoS Flow 1 . . . <maxnoofQoSFlows> Setup Request Item >>QoS Flow M 9.3.1.51 Identifier >>QoS Flow M 9.3.1.12 Level QoS Parameters >>E-RAB ID O 9.3.2.3 >>Per QoS O Data Volume YES reject flow Data Reporting Volume Control Reporting <ref 3-1-1> Requested Range bound Explanation maxnoofQoSFlows Maximum no. of QoS flows allowed within one PDU session. Value is 64.

The Ref3-1-1 Data Volume Reporting Control IE provides information on how the receiving node shall perform Data Volume reporting for a UE. The IE is expected to be contained in signalling related to setup or modify NG-RAN node resources for a PDU Session.

IE IE type and Semantics # IE/Group Name Presence Range reference description 1 Data Volume 1 . . . So far Reporting <maxnoofRATs> maxnoofRATs = Control Item 2 (NR and E-UTRA) 2 >Secondary M ENUMERATED RAT Type (nR, e-UTRA . . . ) Range bound Explanation maxnoofRATs Maximum no of RATs supported by NG-RAN. So far the maximum is 2 (NR and E-UTRAN). The protocol supports up to 8 (as an example).

Including Data Volume reporting control information into the existing Bearer Context Setup Request existing PDU Session Resource To Setup List and QoS Flows Information To Be Setup, e.g. as given below, in red colour

>>PDU Session Resource 1 To Setup List >>>PDU Session Resource 1 . . . To Setup Item <maxnoofPDUSessionResource> >>>>PDU Session ID M 9.3.1.21 >>>>PDU Session Type M 9.3.1.22 >>>>S-NSSAI M 9.3.1.9 >>>>Security Indication M 9.3.1.23 >>>>PDU Session O Bit Rate This IE shall be present Resource DL Aggregate 9.3.1.20 when at least one non- Maximum Bit Rate GBR QoS Flows is being setup. >>>>NG UL UP Transport M UP Transport Layer Information Layer Information 9.3.2.1 >>>>PDU Session Data O Data Forwarding Information Forwarding Request Information Request 9.3.2.5 >>>>PDU Session O Inactivity Included if the Activity Inactivity Timer Timer Notification Level is set 9.3.1.54 to PDU Session. >>>>Existing Allocated NG O UP Transport DL UP Transport Layer Layer Information Information 9.3.2.1 >>>>Network Instance O 9.3.1.62 >>>>Per PDU Session Data O ENUMERATED Volume Reporting (requested, Requested . . . ) >>>>DRB To Setup List 1 >>>>>DRB To Setup Item 1 . . . <maxnoofDRBs> >>>>>>DRB ID M 9.3.1.16 >>>>>>SDAP M 9.3.1.39 Configuration >>>>>>PDCP M 9.3.1.38 Configuration >>>>>>Cell Group M 9.3.1.11 The gNB-CU-UP shall Information provide one UL UP Transport Layer Information Item per cell group entry. >>>>>>QOS Flows M QoS Flow Information To Be Setup QoS Parameters List 9.3.1.25 >>>>>>DRB Data O Data Requesting forwarding forwarding information Forwarding info from the target Request Information gNB-CU-UP. Request 9.3.2.5 >>>>>>DRB Inactivity O Inactivity Included if the Activity Timer Timer Notification Level is set 9.3.1.54 to DRB. >>>>PDCP SN Status O 9.3.1.58 Contains the PDCP SN Information Status at setup after Resume. QoS Flow List 1 >QoS Flow Item 1 . . . <maxnoofflows> >>QoS Flow Identifier M 9.3.1.24 >>QoS Flow Level M 9.3.1.26 QoS Parameters >>QoS Flow Mapping O 9.3.1.60 Indicates that Indication only the uplink or downlink QoS flow is mapped to the DRB >>Per QoS flow Data O ENUMERATED Volume Reporting (requested, Requested . . . )

According to certain embodiments, an OAM configuration may be provided for common UE reporting.

According to certain embodiments, common UE reporting is deployed, and the OAM will configure the NG-RAN nodes (and gNB-CU-UP in case of CP/UP separation) with one of the following option:

-   -   Reporting per PDU Session     -   Reporting per PDU Session and per QoS Flow     -   Reporting per QoS Flow     -   Reporting per PDU Session and per selected QoS Flow (i.e. 5QI)     -   Reporting per selected QoS Flow (i.e. 5QI)         Whatever the option configured in the NG-RAN nodes, the         reporting will be performed using the same mechanisms described         in the embodiments described above and, thus similar to the per         UE configuration over NG-U, Xn-U and E1.

According to certain embodiments, the new control information (see data structure above) may be added to existing message.

As described above, the control information on how Data Volume reporting shall be performed has to be transferred if the UE context is transferred towards a new serving NG-RAN (e.g. in case of Handover, RRC_INACTIVE or re-establishment) or if a SN is added or modified or if the NG-RAN node is a disaggregated NG-RAN node. This may include (but is not limited to) the following procedures:

-   -   XnAP:         -   a. Handover Preparation         -   b. Retrieve UE Context         -   c. S-NG-RAN node Addition Preparation         -   d. M-NG-RAN node initiated S-NG-RAN node Modification             Preparation     -   E1AP:         -   a. Bearer Context Setup         -   b. Bearer Context Modification (gNB-CU-CP initiated)

As described above, the reporting can be periodical or triggered by events. The new reporting structure described in this invention may be used in messages sent when the following events are triggered (but not limited to):

-   -   Secondary Node Modification (MN/SN initiated)     -   Secondary Node Release (MN/SN initiated)     -   Secondary Node Change (MN/SN initiated)     -   Inter-Master Node handover with/without Secondary Node change     -   Master Node to eNB/gNB Change

FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless network in accordance with some embodiments. Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any appropriate type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are described in relation to a wireless network, such as the example wireless network illustrated in FIG. 3. For simplicity, the wireless network of FIG. 3 only depicts network 106, network nodes 160 and 160 b, and wireless devices 110, 110 b, and 110 c. In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. Of the illustrated components, network node 160 and wireless device 110 are depicted with additional detail. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate the wireless devices' access to and/or use of the services provided by, or via, the wireless network.

The wireless network may comprise and/or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and/or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be configured to operate according to specific standards or other types of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, particular embodiments of the wireless network may implement communication standards, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 standards; and/or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and/or ZigBee standards.

Network 106 may comprise one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide-area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks to enable communication between devices.

Network node 160 and wireless device 110 comprise various components described in more detail below. These components work together in order to provide network node and/or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. In different embodiments, the wireless network may comprise any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and/or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signals whether via wired or wireless connections.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example network node, according to certain embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and/or with other network nodes or equipment in the wireless network to enable and/or provide wireless access to the wireless device and/or to perform other functions (e.g., administration) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NRNodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and may then also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and/or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Yet further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell/multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLCs), and/or MDTs. As another example, a network node may be a virtual network node as described in more detail below. More generally, however, network nodes may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable, configured, arranged, and/or operable to enable and/or provide a wireless device with access to the wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless device that has accessed the wireless network.

In FIG. 4, network node 160 includes processing circuitry 170, device readable medium 180, interface 190, auxiliary equipment 184, power source 186, power circuitry 187, and antenna 162. Although network node 160 illustrated in the example wireless network of FIG. 4 may represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that a network node comprises any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Moreover, while the components of network node 160 are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, a network node may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., device readable medium 180 may comprise multiple separate hard drives as well as multiple RAM modules).

Similarly, network node 160 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which network node 160 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeB's. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, network node 160 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate device readable medium 180 for the different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 162 may be shared by the RATs). Network node 160 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 160, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 160.

Processing circuitry 170 is configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by a network node. These operations performed by processing circuitry 170 may include processing information obtained by processing circuitry 170 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination.

Processing circuitry 170 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 160 components, such as device readable medium 180, network node 160 functionality. For example, processing circuitry 170 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 180 or in memory within processing circuitry 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB or other such network device may be performed by processing circuitry 170 executing instructions stored on device readable medium 180 or memory within processing circuitry 170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 170 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readable medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, processing circuitry 170 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry 170 alone or to other components of network node 160, but are enjoyed by network node 160 as a whole, and/or by end users and the wireless network generally.

Device readable medium 180 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by processing circuitry 170. Device readable medium 180 may store any suitable instructions, data or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by processing circuitry 170 and, utilized by network node 160. Device readable medium 180 may be used to store any calculations made by processing circuitry 170 and/or any data received via interface 190. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 and device readable medium 180 may be considered to be integrated.

Interface 190 is used in the wired or wireless communication of signalling and/or data between network node 160, network 106, and/or wireless devices 110. As illustrated, interface 190 comprises port(s)/terminal(s) 194 to send and receive data, for example to and from network 106 over a wired connection. Interface 190 also includes radio front end circuitry 192 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, antenna 162. Radio front end circuitry 192 comprises filters 198 and amplifiers 196. Radio front end circuitry 192 may be connected to antenna 162 and processing circuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 162 and processing circuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry 192 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry 192 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 198 and/or amplifiers 196. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 162 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 192. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 170. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

In certain alternative embodiments, network node 160 may not include separate radio front end circuitry 192, instead, processing circuitry 170 may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 162 without separate radio front end circuitry 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuitry 172 may be considered a part of interface 190. In still other embodiments, interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, radio front end circuitry 192, and RF transceiver circuitry 172, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and interface 190 may communicate with baseband processing circuitry 174, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may be coupled to radio front end circuitry 190 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may comprise one or more omni-directional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals in any direction, a sector antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals from devices within a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line of sight antenna used to transmit/receive radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna 162 may be separate from network node 160 and may be connectable to network node 160 through an interface or port.

Antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and/or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node and/or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and/or any other network equipment.

Power circuitry 187 may comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry and is configured to supply the components of network node 160 with power for performing the functionality described herein. Power circuitry 187 may receive power from power source 186. Power source 186 and/or power circuitry 187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of network node 160 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). Power source 186 may either be included in, or external to, power circuitry 187 and/or network node 160. For example, network node 160 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry 187. As a further example, power source 186 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry 187. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

Alternative embodiments of network node 160 may include additional components beyond those shown in FIG. 4 that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the network node's functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and/or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, network node 160 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into network node 160 and to allow output of information from network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for network node 160.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example wireless device, according to certain embodiments. As used herein, wireless device refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and/or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise noted, the term wireless device may be used interchangeably herein with user equipment (UE). Communicating wirelessly may involve transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through air. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a wireless device may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a wireless device include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless cameras, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playback appliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a tablet, a laptop, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE). a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, etc. A wireless device may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and may in this case be referred to as a D2D communication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a wireless device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and/or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and/or measurements to another wireless device and/or a network node. The wireless device may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the wireless device may be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g. refrigerators, televisions, etc.) personal wearables (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a wireless device may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. A wireless device as described above may represent the endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, a wireless device as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

As illustrated, wireless device 110 includes antenna 111, interface 114, processing circuitry 120, device readable medium 130, user interface equipment 132, auxiliary equipment 134, power source 136 and power circuitry 137. Wireless device 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by wireless device 110, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, just to mention a few. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or set of chips as other components within wireless device 110.

Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may be separate from wireless device 110 and be connectable to wireless device 110 through an interface or port. Antenna 111, interface 114, and/or processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a wireless device. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a network node and/or another wireless device. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and/or antenna 111 may be considered an interface.

As illustrated, interface 114 comprises radio front end circuitry 112 and antenna 111. Radio front end circuitry 112 comprise one or more filters 118 and amplifiers 116. Radio front end circuitry 114 is connected to antenna 111 and processing circuitry 120, and is configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 111 and processing circuitry 120. Radio front end circuitry 112 may be coupled to or a part of antenna 111. In some embodiments, wireless device 110 may not include separate radio front end circuitry 112; rather, processing circuitry 120 may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be considered a part of interface 114. Radio front end circuitry 112 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry 112 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 118 and/or amplifiers 116. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 111. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 111 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 112. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 120. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

Processing circuitry 120 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other wireless device 110 components, such as device readable medium 130, wireless device 110 functionality. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, processing circuitry 120 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 130 or in memory within processing circuitry 120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

As illustrated, processing circuitry 120 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments processing circuitry 120 of wireless device 110 may comprise a SOC. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126 may be on separate chips or sets of chips. In alternative embodiments, part or all of baseband processing circuitry 124 and application processing circuitry 126 may be combined into one chip or set of chips, and RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In still alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122 and baseband processing circuitry 124 may be on the same chip or set of chips, and application processing circuitry 126 may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In yet other alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126 may be combined in the same chip or set of chips. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be a part of interface 114. RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals for processing circuitry 120.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by a wireless device may be provided by processing circuitry 120 executing instructions stored on device readable medium 130, which in certain embodiments may be a computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 120 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, processing circuitry 120 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry 120 alone or to other components of wireless device 110, but are enjoyed by wireless device 110 as a whole, and/or by end users and the wireless network generally.

Processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by a wireless device. These operations, as performed by processing circuitry 120, may include processing information obtained by processing circuitry 120 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored by wireless device 110, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination.

Device readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by processing circuitry 120. Device readable medium 130 may include computer memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and/or computer executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by processing circuitry 120. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 120 and device readable medium 130 may be considered to be integrated.

User interface equipment 132 may provide components that allow for a human user to interact with wireless device 110. Such interaction may be of many forms, such as visual, audial, tactile, etc. User interface equipment 132 may be operable to produce output to the user and to allow the user to provide input to wireless device 110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface equipment 132 installed in wireless device 110. For example, if wireless device 110 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if wireless device 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected). User interface equipment 132 may include input interfaces, devices and circuits, and output interfaces, devices and circuits. User interface equipment 132 is configured to allow input of information into wireless device 110, and is connected to processing circuitry 120 to allow processing circuitry 120 to process the input information. User interface equipment 132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys/buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. User interface equipment 132 is also configured to allow output of information from wireless device 110, and to allow processing circuitry 120 to output information from wireless device 110. User interface equipment 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, vibrating circuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits, of user interface equipment 132, wireless device 110 may communicate with end users and/or the wireless network, and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

Auxiliary equipment 134 is operable to provide more specific functionality which may not be generally performed by wireless devices. This may comprise specialized sensors for doing measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communications etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliary equipment 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and/or scenario.

Power source 136 may, in some embodiments, be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic devices or power cells, may also be used. Wireless device 110 may further comprise power circuitry 137 for delivering power from power source 136 to the various parts of wireless device 110 which need power from power source 136 to carry out any functionality described or indicated herein. Power circuitry 137 may in certain embodiments comprise power management circuitry. Power circuitry 137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source; in which case wireless device 110 may be connectable to the external power source (such as an electricity outlet) via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Power circuitry 137 may also in certain embodiments be operable to deliver power from an external power source to power source 136. This may be, for example, for the charging of power source 136. Power circuitry 137 may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from power source 136 to make the power suitable for the respective components of wireless device 110 to which power is supplied.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example UE, according to certain embodiments. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and/or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 2200 may be any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and/or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. UE 200, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is one example of a wireless device configured for communication in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and/or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, the term wireless device and UE may be used interchangeable. Accordingly, although FIG. 6 is a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a wireless device, and vice-versa.

In FIG. 6, UE 200 includes processing circuitry 201 that is operatively coupled to input/output interface 205, radio frequency (RF) interface 209, network connection interface 211, memory 215 including random access memory (RAM) 217, read-only memory (ROM) 219, and storage medium 221 or the like, communication subsystem 231, power source 233, and/or any other component, or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221 includes operating system 223, application program 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Certain UEs may utilize all of the components shown in FIG. 6, or only a subset of the components. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

In FIG. 6, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. Processing circuitry 201 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute machine instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored program, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

In the depicted embodiment, input/output interface 205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, output device, or input and output device. UE 200 may be configured to use an output device via input/output interface 205. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to and output from UE 200. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. UE 200 may be configured to use an input device via input/output interface 205 to allow a user to capture information into UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another like sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device may be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

In FIG. 6, RF interface 209 may be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. Network connection interface 211 may be configured to provide a communication interface to network 243 a. Network 243 a may encompass wired and/or wireless networks such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network or any combination thereof. For example, network 243 a may comprise a Wi-Fi network. Network connection interface 211 may be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface used to communicate with one or more other devices over a communication network according to one or more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, SONET, ATM, or the like. Network connection interface 211 may implement receiver and transmitter functionality appropriate to the communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, and the like). The transmitter and receiver functions may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

RAM 217 may be configured to interface via bus 202 to processing circuitry 201 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as the operating system, application programs, and device drivers. ROM 219 may be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuitry 201. For example, ROM 219 may be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I/O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard that are stored in a non-volatile memory. Storage medium 221 may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, or flash drives. In one example, storage medium 221 may be configured to include operating system 223, application program 225 such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application, and data file 227. Storage medium 221 may store, for use by UE 200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

Storage medium 221 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), floppy disk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM/RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221 may allow UE 200 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs or the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied in storage medium 221, which may comprise a device readable medium.

In FIG. 6, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate with network 243 b using communication subsystem 231. Network 243 a and network 243 b may be the same network or networks or different network or networks. Communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with network 243 b. For example, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication such as another wireless device, UE, or base station of a radio access network (RAN) according to one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.11, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, or the like. Each transceiver may include transmitter 233 and/or receiver 235 to implement transmitter or receiver functionality, respectively, appropriate to the RAN links (e.g., frequency allocations and the like). Further, transmitter 233 and receiver 235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of communication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. Network 243 b may encompass wired and/or wireless networks such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network or any combination thereof. For example, network 243 b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and/or a near-field network. Power source 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to components of UE 200.

The features, benefits and/or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 200 or partitioned across multiple components of UE 200. Further, the features, benefits, and/or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. Further, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate with any of such components over bus 202. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in memory that when executed by processing circuitry 201 perform the corresponding functions described herein. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be partitioned between processing circuitry 201 and communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or to a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device or any other type of communication device) or components thereof and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines or containers executing on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node may be entirely virtualized.

The functions may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operative to implement some of the features, functions, and/or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 320 are run in virtualization environment 300 which provides hardware 330 comprising processing circuitry 360 and memory 390. Memory 390 contains instructions 395 executable by processing circuitry 360 whereby application 320 is operative to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and/or functions disclosed herein.

Virtualization environment 300, comprises general-purpose or special-purpose network hardware devices 330 comprising a set of one or more processors or processing circuitry 360, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitry including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device may comprise memory 390-1 which may be non-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 395 or software executed by processing circuitry 360. Each hardware device may comprise one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, which include physical network interface 380. Each hardware device may also include non-transitory, persistent, machine-readable storage media 390-2 having stored therein software 395 and/or instructions executable by processing circuitry 360. Software 395 may include any type of software including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also referred to as hypervisors), software to execute virtual machines 340 as well as software allowing it to execute functions, features and/or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein.

Virtual machines 340, comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of the instance of virtual appliance 320 may be implemented on one or more of virtual machines 340, and the implementations may be made in different ways.

During operation, processing circuitry 360 executes software 395 to instantiate the hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer 350 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to virtual machine 340.

As shown in FIG. 7, hardware 330 may be a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 330 may comprise antenna 3225 and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 330 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 3100, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 320.

Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

In the context of NFV, virtual machine 340 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of virtual machines 340, and that part of hardware 330 that executes that virtual machine, be it hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and/or hardware shared by that virtual machine with others of the virtual machines 340, forms a separate virtual network elements (VNE).

Still in the context of NFV, Virtual Network Function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more virtual machines 340 on top of hardware networking infrastructure 330 and corresponds to application 320 in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200 that each include one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210 may be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. Radio units 3200 may communicate directly with hardware nodes 330 via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station.

In some embodiments, some signalling can be effected with the use of control system 3230 which may alternatively be used for communication between the hardware nodes 330 and radio units 3200.

FIG. 8 illustrates a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer in accordance with some embodiments. With reference to FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system includes telecommunication network 410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises access network 411, such as a radio access network, and core network 414. Access network 411 comprises a plurality of base stations 412 a, 412 b, 412 c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 413 a, 413 b, 413 c. Each base station 412 a, 412 b, 412 c is connectable to core network 414 over a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in coverage area 413 c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station 412 c. A second UE 492 in coverage area 413 a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 412 a. While a plurality of UEs 491, 492 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 412.

Telecommunication network 410 is itself connected to host computer 430, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. Host computer 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Connections 421 and 422 between telecommunication network 410 and host computer 430 may extend directly from core network 414 to host computer 430 or may go via an optional intermediate network 420. Intermediate network 420 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network; intermediate network 420, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, intermediate network 420 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of FIG. 8 as a whole enables connectivity between the connected UEs 491, 492 and host computer 430. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. Host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via OTT connection 450, using access network 411, core network 414, any intermediate network 420 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. OTT connection 450 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which OTT connection 450 passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, base station 412 may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from host computer 430 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE 491. Similarly, base station 412 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE 491 towards the host computer 430.

FIG. 9 illustrates a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments. Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. In communication system 500, host computer 510 comprises hardware 515 including communication interface 516 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 500. Host computer 510 further comprises processing circuitry 518, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 518 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Host computer 510 further comprises software 511, which is stored in or accessible by host computer 510 and executable by processing circuitry 518. Software 511 includes host application 512. Host application 512 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as UE 530 connecting via OTT connection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing the service to the remote user, host application 512 may provide user data which is transmitted using OTT connection 550.

Communication system 500 further includes base station 520 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 525 enabling it to communicate with host computer 510 and with UE 530. Hardware 525 may include communication interface 526 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 500, as well as radio interface 527 for setting up and maintaining at least wireless connection 570 with UE 530 located in a coverage area (not shown in FIG. 9) served by base station 520. Communication interface 526 may be configured to facilitate connection 560 to host computer 510. Connection 560 may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown in FIG. 9) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, hardware 525 of base station 520 further includes processing circuitry 528, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station 520 further has software 521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

Communication system 500 further includes UE 530 already referred to. Its hardware 535 may include radio interface 537 configured to set up and maintain wireless connection 570 with a base station serving a coverage area in which UE 530 is currently located. Hardware 535 of UE 530 further includes processing circuitry 538, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. UE 530 further comprises software 531, which is stored in or accessible by UE 530 and executable by processing circuitry 538. Software 531 includes client application 532. Client application 532 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via UE 530, with the support of host computer 510. In host computer 510, an executing host application 512 may communicate with the executing client application 532 via OTT connection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing the service to the user, client application 532 may receive request data from host application 512 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 550 may transfer both the request data and the user data. Client application 532 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

It is noted that host computer 510, base station 520 and UE 530 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be similar or identical to host computer 430, one of base stations 412 a, 412 b, 412 c and one of UEs 491, 492 of FIG. 8, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown in FIG. 9 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 8.

In FIG. 9, OTT connection 550 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between host computer 510 and UE 530 via base station 520, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from UE 530 or from the service provider operating host computer 510, or both. While OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

Wireless connection 570 between UE 530 and base station 520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE 530 using OTT connection 550, in which wireless connection 570 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the flexibility with which data consumption is reported and thereby provide benefits such as improved load balancing to provide better user experience.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring OTT connection 550 between host computer 510 and UE 530, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring OTT connection 550 may be implemented in software 511 and hardware 515 of host computer 510 or in software 531 and hardware 535 of UE 530, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which OTT connection 550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software 511, 531 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of OTT connection 550 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect base station 520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to base station 520. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating host computer 510's measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that software 511 and 531 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using OTT connection 550 while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 10 will be included in this section. In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In substep 611 (which may be optional) of step 610, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In step 630 (which may be optional), the base station transmits to the UE the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

FIG. 10 illustrates methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 10 will be included in this section. In step 710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

FIG. 11 illustrates methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 11 will be included in this section. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In substep 821 (which may be optional) of step 820, the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In substep 811 (which may be optional) of step 810, the UE executes a client application which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UE initiates, in substep 830 (which may be optional), transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 12 will be included in this section. In step 910 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a method 1000 performed by a first network node 160, according to certain embodiments. At step 1002, the first network node 160 generates a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment. The one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of a per DRB basis and/or a per QoS basis. At step 1004, the first network node 160 transmits the data volume report to a second network node 160. The data volume report further includes an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.

According to a particular embodiment, the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on both the per Data Radio Bearer basis and the per Quality of Service basis.

According to a particular embodiment, the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on a per UE basis.

According to a particular embodiment, the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be on a per RAT basis.

According to a particular embodiment, the data volume report is transmitted periodically.

According to a particular embodiment, the data volume report is transmitted when RAN resources are released.

According to a particular embodiment, the data volume report is transmitted in response to a triggering event, which m ay include at least one of: a secondary node modification; a secondary node release; a secondary node change; an inter-master node handover with or without a secondary node change; and a master node to eNodeB or gNodeB change.

According to a particular embodiment, prior to generating the data volume report, the first network node 160 receives a message from the second network node. The message specifies the one or more characteristics for generating the data volume report.

According to a particular embodiment, the message includes at least one of: a handover preparation message; a user equipment, UE, context retrieval message; a Radio Access Network, RAN, node addition message; a RAN node modification message; a bearer context setup message; or a bearer context modification message.

According to a particular embodiment, at least one of the first network node 160 and the second network node include a RAN node.

According to a particular embodiment, the second network node includes a core network node.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus 1100 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown in FIG. 3). The apparatus may be implemented in a network node (e.g., network node 160 shown in FIG. 3). Apparatus 1100 is operable to carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 14 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the method of FIG. 14 is not necessarily carried out solely by apparatus 1100. At least some operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1100 may comprise processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause generating unit 1110, transmitting unit 1120, and any other suitable units of apparatus 1100 to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, generating unit 1110 may perform certain of the generating functions of the apparatus 1100. For example, generating unit 1110 may generate a data volume report based on one or more characteristics. The one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of a per DRB basis and/or a per QoS basis.

According to certain embodiments, transmitting module 1120 may perform certain of the transmitting functions of the apparatus 1100. For example, transmitting module 1120 may transmit the data volume report to a second network node 160.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

Example Embodiments

Example Embodiments 1. A method performed by a wireless device for reporting data volumes, the method comprising: receiving a first message specifying one or more characteristics to be associated with a data volume report; and transmitting a second message comprising the data value report.

Example Embodiments 2. The method of 1 wherein the first message specifies any one or more characteristics discussed above.

Example Embodiments 3. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising: providing user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission to the base station.

Example Embodiments 4. A method performed by a network node for reporting data volumes, the method comprising: receive a first message specifying one or more characteristics to be associated with a data volume report.

Example Embodiments 5. The method of 4 further comprising transmitting a second message specifying the one or more characteristics to be associated with a data volume report.

Example Embodiments 6. The method of 4 further comprising: generating the data volume report based on the one or more characteristics specified in the first message; and transmitting the data volume report.

Example Embodiments 7. The method of 6 wherein the data volume report is transmitted periodically or when RAN resources are released.

Example Embodiments 8. The method of any of the previous embodiments wherein the first message specifies any one or more characteristics discussed above.

Example Embodiments 9. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

Example Embodiments 10. A wireless device for reporting data volumes, the wireless device comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the wireless device.

Example Embodiments 11. A base station for reporting data volumes, the base station comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 4 to 9; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the base station.

Example Embodiments 12. A user equipment (UE) for reporting data volumes, the UE comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry; the processing circuitry being configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

Example Embodiments 13. A communication system including a host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry, the base station's processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 4 to 9.

Example Embodiments 14. The communication system of the previous embodiment further including the base station.

Example Embodiments 15. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

Example Embodiments 16. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and the UE comprises processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

Example Embodiments 17. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps of any of Embodiments 4 to 9.

Example Embodiments 18. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising, at the base station, transmitting the user data.

Example Embodiments 19. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, the method further comprising, at the UE, executing a client application associated with the host application.

Example Embodiments 20. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and processing circuitry configured to performs the of the previous 3 embodiments.

Example Embodiments 21. A communication system including a host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the UE's components configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Example Embodiments 22. The communication system of the previous embodiment, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

Example Embodiments 23. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Example Embodiments 24. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising at the UE, receiving the user data from the base station.

Example Embodiments 25. A communication system including a host computer comprising: communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the UE's processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Example Embodiments 26. The communication system of the previous embodiment, further including the UE.

Example Embodiments 27. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward to the host computer the user data carried by a transmission from the UE to the base station.

Example Embodiments 28. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data.

Example Embodiments 29. The communication system of the previous 4 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing request data; and the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data in response to the request data.

Example Embodiments 30. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted to the base station from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Example Embodiments 31. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising, at the UE, providing the user data to the base station.

Example Embodiments 32. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising: at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing the user data to be transmitted; and at the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

Example Embodiments 33. The method of the previous 3 embodiments, further comprising: at the UE, executing a client application; and at the UE, receiving input data to the client application, the input data being provided at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, wherein the user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

Example Embodiments 34. A communication system including a host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the base station's processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of Embodiments 4 to 9.

Example Embodiments 35. The communication system of the previous embodiment further including the base station.

Example Embodiments 36. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

Example Embodiments 37. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data to be received by the host computer.

Example Embodiments 38. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving, from the base station, user data originating from a transmission which the base station has received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Example Embodiments 39. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising at the base station, receiving the user data from the UE.

Example Embodiments 40. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising at the base station, initiating a transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

Abbreviations

At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).

-   -   1×RTT CDMA2000 1×Radio Transmission Technology     -   3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project     -   5G 5th Generation     -   ABS Almost Blank Subframe     -   ARQ Automatic Repeat Request     -   AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise     -   BCCH Broadcast Control Channel     -   BCH Broadcast Channel     -   CA Carrier Aggregation     -   CC Carrier Component     -   CCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDU     -   CDMA Code Division Multiplexing Access     -   CGI Cell Global Identifier     -   CIR Channel Impulse Response     -   CP Cyclic Prefix     -   CPICH Common Pilot Channel     -   CPICH Ec/No CPICH Received energy per chip divided by the power         density in the band     -   CQI Channel Quality information     -   C-RNTI Cell RNTI     -   CSI Channel State Information     -   DCCH Dedicated Control Channel     -   DL Downlink     -   DM Demodulation     -   DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal     -   DRX Discontinuous Reception     -   DTX Discontinuous Transmission     -   DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel     -   DUT Device Under Test     -   E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioning method)     -   E-SMLC Evolved-Serving Mobile Location Centre     -   ECGI Evolved CGI     -   eNB E-UTRAN NodeB     -   ePDCCH enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel     -   E-SMLC evolved Serving Mobile Location Center     -   E-UTRA Evolved UTRA     -   E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN     -   FDD Frequency Division Duplex     -   FFS For Further Study     -   GERAN GSM EDGE Radio Access Network     -   gNB Base station in NR     -   GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System     -   GSM Global System for Mobile communication     -   HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request     -   HO Handover     -   HSPA High Speed Packet Access     -   HRPD High Rate Packet Data     -   LOS Line of Sight     -   LPP LTE Positioning Protocol     -   LTE Long-Term Evolution     -   MAC Medium Access Control     -   MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services     -   MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency         Network     -   MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Subframe     -   MDT Minimization of Drive Tests     -   MIB Master Information Block     -   MME Mobility Management Entity     -   MSC Mobile Switching Center     -   NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel     -   NR New Radio     -   OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise Generator     -   OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing     -   OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access     -   OSS Operations Support System     -   OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival     -   O&M Operation and Maintenance     -   PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel     -   P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel     -   PCell Primary Cell     -   PCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator Channel     -   PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel     -   PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol     -   PDP Profile Delay Profile     -   PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel     -   PGW Packet Gateway     -   PHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel     -   PLMN Public Land Mobile Network     -   PMI Precoder Matrix Indicator     -   PRACH Physical Random Access Channel     -   PRS Positioning Reference Signal     -   PSS Primary Synchronization Signal     -   PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel     -   PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel     -   RACH Random Access Channel     -   QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation     -   RAN Radio Access Network     -   RAT Radio Access Technology     -   RLC Radio Link Control     -   RLM Radio Link Management     -   RNC Radio Network Controller     -   RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier     -   RRC Radio Resource Control     -   RRM Radio Resource Management     -   RS Reference Signal     -   RSCP Received Signal Code Power     -   RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power OR Reference Signal         Received Power     -   RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality OR     -   Reference Symbol Received Quality     -   RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator     -   RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference     -   SCH Synchronization Channel     -   SCell Secondary Cell     -   SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol     -   SDU Service Data Unit     -   SFN System Frame Number     -   SGW Serving Gateway     -   SI System Information     -   SIB System Information Block     -   SNR Signal to Noise Ratio     -   SON Self Optimized Network     -   SS Synchronization Signal     -   SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal     -   TDD Time Division Duplex     -   TDOA Time Difference of Arrival     -   TOA Time of Arrival     -   TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal     -   TTI Transmission Time Interval     -   UE User Equipment     -   UL Uplink     -   UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System     -   USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module     -   UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival     -   UTRA Universal Terrestrial Radio Access     -   UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network     -   WCDMA Wide CDMA     -   WLAN Wide Local Area Network 

1. A method performed by a first network node comprising: generating a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment, the one or more characteristics identifying that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of: a per Data Radio Bearer basis; and a per Quality of Service basis; and transmitting the data volume report to a second network node, wherein the data volume report further comprises an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on both the per Data Radio Bearer basis and the per Quality of Service basis.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on a per user equipment, UE, basis.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be on a per radio access technology, RAT, basis.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the data volume report is transmitted periodically.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the data volume report is transmitted when Radio Access Network, RAN, resources are released.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the data volume report is transmitted in response to a triggering event, the triggering event comprising at least one of: a secondary node modification; a secondary node release; a secondary node change; an inter-master node handover with or without a secondary node change; and a master node to eNodeB or gNodeB change.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to generating the data volume report, receiving a message from the second network node, the message specifying the one or more characteristics for generating the data volume report.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the message comprises at least one of: a handover preparation message; a user equipment, UE, context retrieval message; a Radio Access Network, RAN, node addition message; a RAN node modification message; a bearer context setup message; or a bearer context modification message. 10.-11. (canceled)
 12. A first network node comprising: processing circuitry configured to: generate a data volume report based on one or more characteristics associated with data communicated between the first network node and a user equipment, the one or more characteristics identifying that the data volume report is to be generated on at least one of: a per Data Radio Bearer basis; and a per Quality of Service basis; and transmit the data volume report to a second network node, wherein the data volume report further comprises an indication of a radio access technology type associated with the data volume report.
 13. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on both the per Data Radio Bearer basis and the per Quality of Service basis.
 14. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be based on a per user equipment, UE, (110) basis.
 15. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the one or more characteristics identify that the data volume report is to be on a per radio access technology, RAT, basis.
 16. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the data volume report is transmitted periodically.
 17. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the data volume report is transmitted when Radio Access Network, RAN, resources are released.
 18. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the data volume report is transmitted in response to a triggering event, the triggering event comprising at least one of: a secondary node modification; a secondary node release; a secondary node change; an inter-master node handover with or without a secondary node change; and a master node to eNodeB or gNodeB change.
 19. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: prior to generating the data volume report, receive a message from the second network node, the message specifying the one or more characteristics for generating the data volume report.
 20. The first network node of claim 19, wherein the message comprises at least one of: a handover preparation message; a user equipment, UE, context retrieval message; a Radio Access Network, RAN, node addition message; a RAN node modification message; a bearer context setup message; or a bearer context modification message.
 21. The first network node of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first network node and the second network node comprise a Radio Access Network, RAN, node.
 22. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the second network node comprises a core network node. 